Israel closes lone pedestrian crossing with Gaza after protests

By

Daniel Uria

Israel closed the only pedestrian crossing with the Gaza Strip Sunday in response to "violent protests" along the border fence Friday, an Israeli Defense Ministry spokeswoman. File photo by Mohammed Saber/EPA

Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Israel closed its sole pedestrian crossing with the Gaza Strip Sunday in response to protests along the border.

An Israeli Defense Ministry spokeswoman said the Erez Crossing was closed to all pedestrian activity in response to "violent protests" along the border fence Friday, but would remain open to humanitarian cases, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Gaza's Ministry of Health said two people were killed in the protests on Friday as thousands gathered at the border with some throwing firebombs and improvised explosive devices and Israeli military forces responded with riot-dispersal measures and live fire.